Conviction
The Associated Press reported last week about a sophomore wrestler in Iowa with a 35-4 record refusing to wrestle a freshman girl in the first round of state championship tournament. Joel Northrup said his conscience and religious beliefs wouldn't allow him to wrestle Cassy Herkelman, one of two girls to qualify for the tournament.
Northrup issued this statement, "Wrestling is a combat sport, and it can get violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most other high school sports in Iowa."
Northrup's decision to default put Herkelman in the quarterfinals in the 112-pound weight class. She became the first girl to win an Iowa state tournament. However, it deprived her of the chance to show her skills that earned her a 20-13 record.
Because Northrup defaulted and didn't forfeit, he was allowed to compete in the consolation rounds, and he easily won his first match. (I could not find the outcome of the tournament and how far Joel went.)
Bill Herkelman, Cassy's dad, would say later. "I know Cassy is disappointed not to get on the mat with him, but it's their belief, they're very strict in that, and I support that. I have to applaud the Northrup family for sticking with their convictions on the biggest stage in Iowa, if not the nation."
Matt Black, the other girl's father, added: "My family is supportive of Joel. And we're hoping that the rest of the wrestling community will get behind him and are supportive of his convictions."
Joel Northrup had an opportunity to advance far in the tournament and even win state, but because of his faith and conviction, he passed up that opportunity.
Some applauded him and some called him foolish. Whether you agree with his decision or not, there's courage in his conviction. How many of us, if faced with similar situation, would have the courage to stick with our conviction and forgo the prize?
Northrup issued this statement, "Wrestling is a combat sport, and it can get violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most other high school sports in Iowa."
Northrup's decision to default put Herkelman in the quarterfinals in the 112-pound weight class. She became the first girl to win an Iowa state tournament. However, it deprived her of the chance to show her skills that earned her a 20-13 record.
Because Northrup defaulted and didn't forfeit, he was allowed to compete in the consolation rounds, and he easily won his first match. (I could not find the outcome of the tournament and how far Joel went.)
Bill Herkelman, Cassy's dad, would say later. "I know Cassy is disappointed not to get on the mat with him, but it's their belief, they're very strict in that, and I support that. I have to applaud the Northrup family for sticking with their convictions on the biggest stage in Iowa, if not the nation."
Matt Black, the other girl's father, added: "My family is supportive of Joel. And we're hoping that the rest of the wrestling community will get behind him and are supportive of his convictions."
Joel Northrup had an opportunity to advance far in the tournament and even win state, but because of his faith and conviction, he passed up that opportunity.
Some applauded him and some called him foolish. Whether you agree with his decision or not, there's courage in his conviction. How many of us, if faced with similar situation, would have the courage to stick with our conviction and forgo the prize?